After uncovering the ESPN.com supercomputers from the deluge of Cinderella Watch email, we've skimmed off the best responses for your enjoyment and edification.
|
Last week's results
|
|  |
Let's Hear It for the 'Eaters
"I just witnessed the biggest win in Irvine history. I've seen wins against UNLV and UCLA in the past, but they never meant anything in the conference standings. This was big. Nine and 'oh in conference. I don't care who you play, reeling off nine straight in conference is worthy of some notice. Next two at the Beach and at Utah State will show us what we're made of, but tonight's win may warrant graduation onto your list for the Fan's Top 25 Poll. After all, the Aggies were on it going into tonight and Cal is on it (after losing to the Eaters earlier in the season)."
Erik Paulson,
Newport Beach, Calif.
"Is everyone watching?!? Utah State is no longer undefeated in conference. Who defeated Utah State? UC Irvine! The Anteaters showed that a school centered around computers and science can still have an outstanding athletics program."
Robert Briggs,
Huntington Beach, Calif.
"UCI deserves the Cinderella Watch, because they play as a team more than any other team. For example, last night
against LBSU Jerry Green was struggling all night and the rest of the stepped up and came through. Adam Parada
had a huge game last night, this kid got a great touch, this kid is gonna be a player. Sean Jackson also came through with some huge shoots before fouling out. UCI has some key wins (Cal, Washington, Utah State), and scared the daylights out of UCLA. These wins should help the RPI, and UCI has the nation's second-longest winning streak at 13 next to UNC's 15."
James Kook,
Orange, Calif.
"Let's start with numbers. 17-2, 9-0 in the Big West. The seventh-best defense in the nation, 12th in 3-point percentage. School record 13-game winning streak. A big 56-51 upset (except to UCI fans) win over Utah State, the Aggies' first conference loss in two years. And finally, a team that came back to win 58-57 against a tough Long Beach St. team on the road in a game where the team leader Jerry Green struggled. If the Anteaters defeat Utah State in their house on Thursday, the 'Eaters could very well run the table the rest of the year. UC Irvine deserves some recognition for all this."
Jonathan Frey,
Irvine, Calif.
"Last Wednesday's loss to UC Irvine didn't mean much. What does is next week's game with UC Irvine in Logan. The fate of the Big West is in one game. The fat lady is warming up, but who will she be singing for? Hold you water ESPN."
Michael Kasiguran,
Logan, Utah
Where's Wyoming?
"The University of Wyoming (even though ESPN.com has them projected in the tourney). They are really making some noise on the West Coast, and they should be considered for an at large birth. The MWC should at least have ONE team considered."
"I think Wyoming has the size and depth to make some noise in the postseason this year. By the way, do you think you guys could ever broaden your horizons and realize that there are a lot of good teams outside of the ACC?"
David Schroeder,
Laramie, Wy.
Cinderellas in Waiting?
"Watch out for the Charlotte 49ers. They have the talent but they are young and dangerous. They are overshadowed in this state by Duke, UNC, Wake."
Dennis Roy,
Charlotte, N.C.
"Butler. After upsetting the Badgers and with there performance in last year's tourney."
"Georgia Tech: Projected to finish next to last in ACC and have five high-quality wins and five quality losses as they are now fourth in the ACC."
"I think Xavier is a team to definitely be watched come March. With a combination of David West inside, and Sato outside this Musketeers team has a team that's capable of upset city. If they can win out and get a good seeding in the tournament I think they have a chance to cruise their way to the Sweet 16 and do some damage from there on."
Steven Lemmel,
Cincinnati, Ohio
"My Cinderella is UMass. Although he probably won't be considered for coach of the year, is there any coach in the league that has shown as much character as Bruiser Flint? With his job on the line, fans ranting he should be fired, and a 2-9 start, he has brought this team back within one game of .500 (going for .500 against Fordham, Saturday on ESPN) and first place in the A-10. Not one player or coach on that team gave up under difficult circumstances and I think that you have to look at Bruiser and give him the credit he deserves."
Stevie Zuks,
Portland, Ore.
"Just in case you haven't being paying attention, Hofstra is 17-4, won its last 9 games, is at the top of the standings in the America East, and earlier this season beat St. John's for the first time in its program's history. Also in all four of Hofstra's losses, they lost by 5 points or less. So I think its time to start paying attention!!"
Joe Rosato,
Plainview, N.Y.
"Keep Central Michigan on your list. They might be the first team in the history of the MAC to go from last to first. Jay Smith is the best coach in the MAC and has this team where it needs to be to shake some heads in March! Fire up, Chips"
J.J. Bradac
Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
"I think Georgia is a definite Cinderella. Even though they are atop the SEC, they have not received the noteriety that other teams like Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky have gotten. I think if teams continue to sleep on the Bulldogs they way the have and underestimate them, it could be deadly come March."
Joey Tatum,
Statesville, N.C.
"The Cinderella team this year in the tourney has got to go to Missouri. Coach Snider has this young team pumped and ready to roll. Last week what a confidence booster defeating Kansas at home. This team has had it's ups (Kansas and 4 OT's against Iowa State) as well as it's downs (Kansas State). But they have played some very strong teams this year already Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana in one week."
Bryan Howard,
Columbia, Mo.
"Once we are down to the Sweet 16, I have a funny feeling that little known Georgia State will still be around."
"Indiana. The Hoosiers have a good team, some great young talent and a point to make for their 'interim' coach. They have shown themselves able to compete with the best, beating the Spartans. If they continue to improve and play like they did last night at Ohio State, they could make a run for another NCAA banner for Assembly Hall."
Kathy Blackwell,
Bloomington, Minn.
"Again you leave WYOMING out. My prediction of Creighton bailing out of your watch was correct, I hate to say it, but I told you so! Another team you have listed and indirectly related to Wyoming is Gonzaga who lost to New Mexico, whom Wyoming beat IN "THE PIT"! Wyoming is getting better and better thanks to Ugo getting more healthy and confident with his knee and Uche gaining experience and confidence in his game. Bailey is playing like an experienced two guard and can hit in the clutch. All this and Davis hasn't had to carry the team, which means he'll be strong in March! The only knock: I know we're not deep but Cinderella's usually are not. Too many weapons to keep Wyoming out! I know you'll come to your senses, but if you wait until late February it won't be much of a prediction."
Chris Sanchez,
Lakewood, Colo.
"Penn State. Guard play dominates in the NCAA tourney, and there aren't too many teams with a better all around guard than Joe Crispin. Penn State showed what can happen to a team when they start hitting the 3s, just ask Illinois, Temple, and Kentucky. The other thing that makes PSU dangerous is their ability to make their free throws. If the Nittany Lions are able to fight their way through the rest of the Big Ten season, and tourney -- Look Out! These aren't the same old Nittany Lions."
Sean Meily,
State College, Pa.
"Hello people, I hope you have not been watching Memphis lately. Everybody counted them out and they responded by winning eight in a row. Now they are leading the Conference USA. The Tigers are my pick. Come on guys, wake up!"
Jason Thompson,
Nashville, Tenn.
|
|
ALSO SEE
Cinderella Watch
|
